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Lemche E, Killick R, Mitchell J, Caton PW, Choudhary P, Howard JK. Molecular mechanisms linking type 2 diabetes mellitus and late-onset Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and qualitative meta-analysis. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 196:106485. [PMID: 38643861 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Research evidence indicating common metabolic mechanisms through which type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases risk of late-onset Alzheimer's dementia (LOAD) has accumulated over recent decades. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive review of common mechanisms, which have hitherto been discussed in separate perspectives, and to assemble and evaluate candidate loci and epigenetic modifications contributing to polygenic risk linkages between T2DM and LOAD. For the systematic review on pathophysiological mechanisms, both human and animal studies up to December 2023 are included. For the qualitative meta-analysis of genomic bases, human association studies were examined; for epigenetic mechanisms, data from human studies and animal models were accepted. Papers describing pathophysiological studies were identified in databases, and further literature gathered from cited work. For genomic and epigenomic studies, literature mining was conducted by formalised search codes using Boolean operators in search engines, and augmented by GeneRif citations in Entrez Gene, and other sources (WikiGenes, etc.). For the systematic review of pathophysiological mechanisms, 923 publications were evaluated, and 138 gene loci extracted for testing candidate risk linkages. 3 57 publications were evaluated for genomic association and descriptions of epigenomic modifications. Overall accumulated results highlight insulin signalling, inflammation and inflammasome pathways, proteolysis, gluconeogenesis and glycolysis, glycosylation, lipoprotein metabolism and oxidation, cell cycle regulation or survival, autophagic-lysosomal pathways, and energy. Documented findings suggest interplay between brain insulin resistance, neuroinflammation, insult compensatory mechanisms, and peripheral metabolic dysregulation in T2DM and LOAD linkage. The results allow for more streamlined longitudinal studies of T2DM-LOAD risk linkages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Lemche
- Section of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom.
| | - Richard Killick
- Section of Old Age Psychiatry, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - Jackie Mitchell
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Maurice Wohl CIinical Neurosciences Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, United Kingdom
| | - Paul W Caton
- Diabetes Research Group, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Pratik Choudhary
- Diabetes Research Group, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, 10 Cutcombe Road, London SE5 9RJ, United Kingdom
| | - Jane K Howard
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences, Hodgkin Building, Guy's Campus, King's College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
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2
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Gales L. Detection and clearance in Alzheimer's disease: leading with illusive chemical, structural and morphological features of the targets. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:497-498. [PMID: 37721271 PMCID: PMC10581563 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.380897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luís Gales
- i3S - Instituto de Investigaçã o e Inovaçã o em Saúde, Rua Alfredo Allen, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC − Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, Porto, Portugal
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3
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Huwait EA, Baghallab IM, Glabe CG, Abulnaja KO, Kumosani TA, Moselhy SS. Identification of amyloid antibodies for Alzheimer disease - immunotherapy. Arch Physiol Biochem 2022; 128:1275-1282. [PMID: 32449861 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2020.1767147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The current study identified the specific antibodies that recognise amyloid protein for Alzheimer disease - immunotherapy. The immune-selection of random sequences from a phage display library and sequencing to obtain the random 12 amino acids peptide library for each antibody, and then we analysed these peptides for unique and common sequences, relation to Aβ42 sequence and shape and pattern of the amino acid reaction to the antibody to predict the epitopes. Data obtained for 4G8 showed that, the sequence segment related to the putative epitope of 4G8 was LVFFAED. Nine of the ten top sequences contain the sequence RHD corresponding to the Aβ sequence from residues 5-7. Peptide 7 has the sequence IRYDTGSYHIH, which has a RYD. It was concluded that, 4G8 and 6E10 can tolerate the binding the sequences that explain it is able to recognise amyloid aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etimad A Huwait
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ibtisam M Baghallab
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Charles G Glabe
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Khalid O Abulnaja
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, KAU, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Bioactive Natural Products Research Group, KAU, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taha A Kumosani
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, KAU, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Production of Bio-Products for Industrial Applications Research Group, KAU, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Said S Moselhy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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4
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Jeremic D, Jiménez-Díaz L, Navarro-López JD. Past, present and future of therapeutic strategies against amyloid-β peptides in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 72:101496. [PMID: 34687956 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in ageing, affecting around 46 million people worldwide but few treatments are currently available. The etiology of AD is still puzzling, and new drugs development and clinical trials have high failure rates. Urgent outline of an integral (multi-target) and effective treatment of AD is needed. Accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides is considered one of the fundamental neuropathological pillars of the disease, and its dyshomeostasis has shown a crucial role in AD onset. Therefore, many amyloid-targeted therapies have been investigated. Here, we will systematically review recent (from 2014) investigational, follow-up and review studies focused on anti-amyloid strategies to summarize and analyze their current clinical potential. Combination of anti-Aβ therapies with new developing early detection biomarkers and other therapeutic agents acting on early functional AD changes will be highlighted in this review. Near-term approval seems likely for several drugs acting against Aβ, with recent FDA approval of a monoclonal anti-Aβ oligomers antibody -aducanumab- raising hopes and controversies. We conclude that, development of oligomer-epitope specific Aβ treatment and implementation of multiple improved biomarkers and risk prediction methods allowing early detection, together with therapies acting on other factors such as hyperexcitability in early AD, could be the key to slowing this global pandemic.
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5
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Katzmarski N, Ziegler-Waldkirch S, Scheffler N, Witt C, Abou-Ajram C, Nuscher B, Prinz M, Haass C, Meyer-Luehmann M. Aβ oligomers trigger and accelerate Aβ seeding. Brain Pathol 2019; 30:36-45. [PMID: 31099449 PMCID: PMC6916291 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of amyloid‐β (Aβ) that leads to the formation of plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD) occurs through the stepwise formation of oligomers and fibrils. An earlier onset of aggregation is obtained upon intracerebral injection of Aβ‐containing brain homogenate into human APP transgenic mice that follows a prion‐like seeding mechanism. Immunoprecipitation of these brain extracts with anti‐Aβ oligomer antibodies or passive immunization of the recipient animals abrogated the observed seeding activity, although induced Aβ deposition was still evident. Here, we establish that, together with Aβ monomers, Aβ oligomers trigger the initial phase of Aβ seeding and that the depletion of oligomeric Aβ delays the aggregation process, leading to a transient reduction of seed‐induced Aβ deposits. This work extends the current knowledge about the role of Aβ oligomers beyond its cytotoxic nature by pointing to a role in the initiation of Aβ aggregation in vivo. We conclude that Aβ oligomers are important for the early initiation phase of the seeding process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Katzmarski
- Department of Neurology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Ziegler-Waldkirch
- Department of Neurology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nina Scheffler
- Department of Neurology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Witt
- Department of Neurology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Abou-Ajram
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Brigitte Nuscher
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Prinz
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Insitute of Neuropathology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Haass
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Melanie Meyer-Luehmann
- Department of Neurology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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6
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Chiang ACA, Fowler SW, Reddy R, Pletnikova O, Troncoso JC, Sherman MA, Lesne SE, Jankowsky JL. Discrete Pools of Oligomeric Amyloid-β Track with Spatial Learning Deficits in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer Amyloidosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:739-756. [PMID: 29248459 PMCID: PMC5840490 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite increasing appreciation that oligomeric amyloid-β (Aβ) may contribute to cognitive decline of Alzheimer disease, defining the most critical forms has been thwarted by the changeable nature of these aggregates and the varying methods used for detection. Herein, using a broad approach, we quantified Aβ oligomers during the evolution of cognitive deficits in an aggressive model of Aβ amyloidosis. Amyloid precursor protein/tetracycline transactivator mice underwent behavioral testing at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age to evaluate spatial learning and memory, followed by histologic assessment of amyloid burden and biochemical characterization of oligomeric Aβ species. Transgenic mice displayed progressive impairments in acquisition and immediate recall of the trained platform location. Biochemical analysis of cortical extracts from behaviorally tested mice revealed distinct age-dependent patterns of accumulation in multiple oligomeric species. Dot blot analysis demonstrated that nonfibrillar Aβ oligomers were highly soluble and extracted into a fraction enriched for extracellular proteins, whereas prefibrillar species required high-detergent conditions to retrieve, consistent with membrane localization. Low-detergent extracts tested by 82E1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed the presence of bona fide Aβ oligomers, whereas immunoprecipitation-Western blotting using high-detergent extracts revealed a variety of SDS-stable low-n species. These findings show that different Aβ oligomers vary in solubility, consistent with distinct localization, and identify nonfibrillar Aβ oligomer-positive aggregates as tracking most closely with cognitive decline in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angie C A Chiang
- Department of Neuroscience, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Stephanie W Fowler
- Department of Neuroscience, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Rohit Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Cognitive Science, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Olga Pletnikova
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Juan C Troncoso
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mathew A Sherman
- Department of Neuroscience, N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Sylvain E Lesne
- Department of Neuroscience, N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Joanna L Jankowsky
- Department of Neuroscience, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
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7
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Production of Monoclonal Antibodies to Pathologic β-sheet Oligomeric Conformers in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9881. [PMID: 28852189 PMCID: PMC5575137 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10393-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe a novel approach to produce conformational monoclonal antibodies selected to specifically react with the β-sheet secondary structure of pathological oligomeric conformers, characteristic of many neurodegenerative diseases. Contrary to past and current efforts, we utilize a mammalian non-self-antigen as an immunogen. The small, non-self peptide selected was covalently polymerized with glutaraldehyde until it reached a high β-sheet secondary structure content, and species between 10–100kDa that are immunogenic, stable and soluble (p13Bri). Inoculation of p13Bri in mice elicited antibodies to the peptide and the β-sheet secondary structure conformation. Hybridomas were produced and clones selected for their reactivity with at least two different oligomeric conformers from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson and/or Prion diseases. The resulting conformational monoclonals are able to detect pathological oligomeric forms in different human neurodegenerative diseases by ELISA, immunohistochemistry and immunoblots. This technological approach may be useful to develop tools for detection, monitoring and treatment of multiple misfolding disorders.
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8
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Wang SW, Liu DQ, Zhang LX, Ji M, Zhang YX, Dong QX, Liu SY, Xie XX, Liu RT. A vaccine with Aβ oligomer-specific mimotope attenuates cognitive deficits and brain pathologies in transgenic mice with Alzheimer's disease. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2017; 9:41. [PMID: 28592267 PMCID: PMC5461751 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-017-0267-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background β-Amyloid peptide (Aβ) oligomers are initial factors used to induce Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development, and Aβ monomers have normal physiological function. The antibodies or vaccines against Aβ monomers have serious problems, such as side effects and low curative effects. Therefore, it is essential to specifically target Aβ oligomers rather than monomers for the treatment of AD. Methods The mimotopes of Aβ oligomers were obtained by panning the phage-displayed random peptide libraries using oligomer-specific antibodies as targets and expressed on the surface of EBY100 Saccharomyces cerevisiae to generate yeast cell base vaccines. One vaccine (AOE1) induced antibodies specifically against Aβ oligomers and was selected for further study. The APP/PS1 mice were subcutaneously immunized with AOE1 eight times. The levels and characteristics of antibodies induced by AOE1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of AOE1 on the cognitive deficits of AD mice was tested by novel object recognition (NOR) and Y-maze. Dot blot analysis, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry were applied to measure the effects of AOE1 on Aβ pathologies, neuroinflammation, and microhemorrhages in the brains of AD mice. Results Eight mimotope candidates of Aβ oligomers were selected and expressed on EBY100 S. cerevisiae. Only AOE1 vaccine containing mimotope L2 induced antibodies that specifically recognized Aβ42 oligomers rather than monomers. AOE1 immunization significantly increased the AD mice’s exploration times for the novel object in the NOR test and the choices for new arms in the Y-maze test, and it reduced levels of Aβ oligomers and glial activation in the AD mouse brains. No activation of Aβ-specific T cells and microhemorrhages was observed in their brains following AOE1 vaccination. Conclusions AOE1 is the first vaccine applying the oligomer-specific mimotope as an immunogen, which could induce antibodies with high specificity to Aβ oligomers. AOE1 immunization attenuated Aβ pathologies and cognitive deficits in AD mice, decreased the overactivation of glial cells, and did not induce microhemorrhage in the brains of AD mice. These findings suggest that AOE1 may be a safer and more effective vaccine for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Wei Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Dong-Qun Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Ling-Xiao Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Mei Ji
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yang-Xin Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China.,School of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Quan-Xiu Dong
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Shu-Ying Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China.,School of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Xi-Xiu Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Rui-Tian Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China.
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9
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a type of stroke that results in significant mortality and morbidity. Currently there is no definitive treatment for this disease. The paucity of animal models that reflect the heterogeneity of this spontaneous human disease could be the reason. METHODS In this review, we searched the literature for animal models of spontaneous ICH and found eight relevant papers. RESULTS Two were related to hypertension and six were related to cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). One model used double transgenic mice overexpressing human renin and angiotensinogen which caused the mice to be hypertensive. Induction of ICH, however required addition of a high salt diet and nitric oxide synthase inhibition. Another mouse model of hypertension employed subcutaneous angiotensin II infusion and nitric oxide synthase inhibition plus acute injections of angiotensin to further elevate blood pressure. Five CAA models were in transgenic mice overexpressing amyloid precursor protein. One relied on the natural development of CAA in squirrel monkeys. CONCLUSIONS While all of the spontaneous ICH models have some advantages, the disadvantages include the sporadic time of onset of ICH and variability in size and location of ICH. Since there are no known efficacious treatments for ICH, it is not known if findings in the animal models will find treatments that are effective in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bader Murshed Alharbi
- a Division of Neurosurgery , St. Michael's Hospital, Labatt Family Centre of Excellence in Brain Injury and Trauma Research, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.,b Department of Surgery , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Michael K Tso
- a Division of Neurosurgery , St. Michael's Hospital, Labatt Family Centre of Excellence in Brain Injury and Trauma Research, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.,b Department of Surgery , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - R Loch Macdonald
- a Division of Neurosurgery , St. Michael's Hospital, Labatt Family Centre of Excellence in Brain Injury and Trauma Research, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.,b Department of Surgery , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
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10
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Busse S, Steiner J, Glorius S, Dobrowolny H, Greiner-Bohl S, Mawrin C, Bommhardt U, Hartig R, Bogerts B, Busse M. VGF expression by T lymphocytes in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Oncotarget 2016; 6:14843-51. [PMID: 26142708 PMCID: PMC4558119 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Secretion of VGF is increased in cerebrospinal fluid and blood in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and VGF is a potential biomarker for these disorders. We have shown that VGF is expressed in peripheral T cells and is correlated with T cell survival and cytokine secretion. The frequency of VGF+CD3+ T cells increases with normal aging. We found an increased number of VGF-expressing T cells in patients with AD compared to aged healthy controls, which was associated with enhanced HbA1c levels in blood. Upon treatment with rivastigmine, T cell proliferation and VGF expression in AD patients decreased to the level found in controls. Moreover, rapamycin treatment in vitro reduced the number of VGF+CD3+ cells in AD patients to control levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Busse
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johann Steiner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Glorius
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Henrik Dobrowolny
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Christian Mawrin
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ursula Bommhardt
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Roland Hartig
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Bogerts
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mandy Busse
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology & Neonatology, Medical University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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11
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Marciani DJ. A retrospective analysis of the Alzheimer's disease vaccine progress - The critical need for new development strategies. J Neurochem 2016; 137:687-700. [PMID: 26990863 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The promising results obtained with aducanumab and solanezumab against Alzheimer's disease (AD) strengthen the vaccine approach to prevent AD, despite of the many clinical setbacks. It has been problematic to use conjugated peptides with Th1/Th2 adjuvants to induce immune responses against conformational epitopes formed by Aβ oligomers, which is critical to induce protective antibodies. Hence, vaccination should mimic natural immunity by using whole or if possible conjugated antigens, but biasing the response to Th2 with anti-inflammatory adjuvants. Also, selection of the carrier and cross-linking agents is important to prevent suppression of the immune response against the antigen. That certain compounds having phosphorylcholine or fucose induce a sole Th2 immunity would allow antigens with T-cell epitopes without inflammatory autoimmune reactions to be used. Another immunization method is DNA vaccines combined with antigenic ones, which favors the clonal selection and expansion of high affinity antibodies needed for immune protection, but this also requires Th2 immunity. Since AD transgenic mouse models have limited value for immunogen selection as shown by the clinical studies, screening may require the use of validated antibodies and biophysical methods to identify the antigens that would be most likely recognized by the human immune system and thus capable to stimulate a protective antibody response. To induce an anti-Alzheimer's disease protective immunity and prevent possible damage triggered by antigens having B-cell epitopes-only, whole antigens might be used; while inducing Th2 immunity with sole anti-inflammatory fucose-based adjuvants. This approach would avert a damaging systemic inflammatory immunity and the suppression of immunoresponse against the antigen because of carrier and cross-linkers; immune requirements that extend to DNA vaccines.
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12
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Sengupta U, Nilson AN, Kayed R. The Role of Amyloid-β Oligomers in Toxicity, Propagation, and Immunotherapy. EBioMedicine 2016; 6:42-49. [PMID: 27211547 PMCID: PMC4856795 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 473] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is growing every day and finding an effective treatment is becoming more vital. Amyloid-β (Aβ) has been the focus of research for several decades. The recent shift in the Aβ cascade hypothesis from all Aβ to small soluble oligomeric intermediates is directing the search for therapeutics towards the toxic mediators of the disease. Targeting the most toxic oligomers may prove to be an effective treatment by preventing their spread. Specific targeting of oligomers has been shown to protect cognition in rodent models. Additionally, the heterogeneity of research on Aβ oligomers may seem contradictory until size and conformation are taken into account. In this review, we will discuss Aβ oligomers and their toxicity in relation to size and conformation as well as their influence on inflammation and the potential of Aβ oligomer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmi Sengupta
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Ashley N Nilson
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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Foley AM, Ammar ZM, Lee RH, Mitchell CS. Systematic review of the relationship between amyloid-β levels and measures of transgenic mouse cognitive deficit in Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2015; 44:787-95. [PMID: 25362040 PMCID: PMC4346318 DOI: 10.3233/jad-142208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) is believed to directly affect memory and learning in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is widely suggested that there is a relationship between Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels and cognitive performance. In order to explore the validity of this relationship, we performed a meta-analysis of 40 peer-reviewed, published AD transgenic mouse studies that quantitatively measured Aβ levels in brain tissue after assessing cognitive performance. We examined the relationship between Aβ levels (Aβ40, Aβ42, or the ratio of Aβ42 to Aβ40) and cognitive function as measured by escape latency times in the Morris water maze or exploratory preference percentage in the novel object recognition test. Our systematic review examined five mouse models (Tg2576, APP, PS1, 3xTg, APP(OSK)-Tg), gender, and age. The overall result revealed no statistically significant correlation between quantified Aβ levels and experimental measures of cognitive function. However, enough of the trends were of the same sign to suggest that there probably is a very weak qualitative trend visible only across many orders of magnitude. In summary, the results of the systematic review revealed that mice bred to show elevated levels of Aβ do not perform significantly worse in cognitive tests than mice that do not have elevated Aβ levels. Our results suggest two lines of inquiry: 1) Aβ is a biochemical “side effect” of the AD pathology; or 2) learning and memory deficits in AD are tied to the presence of qualitatively “high” levels of Aβ but are not quantitatively sensitive to the levels themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery M Foley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zeena M Ammar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert H Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cassie S Mitchell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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The Peptide Vaccine Combined with Prior Immunization of a Conventional Diphtheria-Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine Induced Amyloid β Binding Antibodies on Cynomolgus Monkeys and Guinea Pigs. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:786501. [PMID: 26539559 PMCID: PMC4619934 DOI: 10.1155/2015/786501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The reduction of brain amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides by anti-Aβ antibodies is one of the possible therapies for Alzheimer's disease. We previously reported that the Aβ peptide vaccine including the T-cell epitope of diphtheria-tetanus combined toxoid (DT) induced anti-Aβ antibodies, and the prior immunization with conventional DT vaccine enhanced the immunogenicity of the peptide. Cynomolgus monkeys were given the peptide vaccine subcutaneously in combination with the prior DT vaccination. Vaccination with a similar regimen was also performed on guinea pigs. The peptide vaccine induced anti-Aβ antibodies in cynomolgus monkeys and guinea pigs without chemical adjuvants, and excessive immune responses were not observed. Those antibodies could preferentially recognize Aβ40, and Aβ42 compared to Aβ fibrils. The levels of serum anti-Aβ antibodies and plasma Aβ peptides increased in both animals and decreased the brain Aβ40 level of guinea pigs. The peptide vaccine could induce a similar binding profile of anti-Aβ antibodies in cynomolgus monkeys and guinea pigs. The peptide vaccination could be expected to reduce the brain Aβ peptides and their toxic effects via clearance of Aβ peptides by generated antibodies.
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Pachahara SK, Adicherla H, Nagaraj R. Self-Assembly of Aβ40, Aβ42 and Aβ43 Peptides in Aqueous Mixtures of Fluorinated Alcohols. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136567. [PMID: 26308214 PMCID: PMC4550328 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorinated alcohols such as hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) and trifluoroethanol (TFE) have the ability to promote α-helix and β-hairpin structure in proteins and peptides. HFIP has been used extensively to dissolve various amyloidogenic proteins and peptides including Aβ, in order to ensure their monomeric status. In this paper, we have investigated the self-assembly of Aβ40, Aβ42, and Aβ43 in aqueous mixtures of fluorinated alcohols from freshly dissolved stock solutions in HFIP. We have observed that formation of fibrillar and non-fibrillar structures are dependent on the solvent composition. Peptides form fibrils with ease when reconstituted in deionized water from freshly dissolved HFIP stocks. In aqueous mixtures of fluorinated alcohols, either predominant fibrillar structures or clustered aggregates were observed. Aqueous mixtures of 20% HFIP are more favourable for Aβ fibril formation as compared to 20% TFE. When Aβ40, Aβ42, and Aβ43 stocks in HFIP are diluted in 50% aqueous mixtures in phosphate buffer or deionized water followed by slow evaporation of HFIP, Aβ peptides form fibrils in phosphate buffer and deionized water. The clustered structures could be off-pathway aggregates. Aβ40, Aβ42, and Aβ43 showed significant α-helical content in freshly dissolved HFIP stocks. The α-helical conformational intermediate in Aβ40, Aβ42, and Aβ43 could favour the formation of both fibrillar and non-fibrillar aggregates depending on solvent conditions and rate of α-helical to β-sheet transition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harikrishna Adicherla
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500 007, India
| | - Ramakrishnan Nagaraj
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500 007, India
- * E-mail:
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Marciani DJ. Alzheimer's disease vaccine development: A new strategy focusing on immune modulation. J Neuroimmunol 2015; 287:54-63. [PMID: 26439962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2015.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant advances in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) vaccines effective in animal models, these prototypes have been clinically unsuccessful; apparently the result of using immunogens modified to prevent inflammation. Hence, a new paradigm is needed that uses entire AD-associated immunogens, a notion supported by recent successful passive immunotherapy results, with adjuvants that induce Th2-only while inhibiting without abrogating Th1 immunity. Here, we discuss the obstacles to AD vaccine development and Th2-adjuvants that by acting on dendritic and T cells, would elicit regardless of the antigen a safe and effective antibody response, while preventing damaging neuroinflammation and ameliorating immunosenescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante J Marciani
- Qantu Therapeutics, Inc., 612 E. Main Street, Lewisville, TX 75057, USA.
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18
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Hatami A, Albay R, Monjazeb S, Milton S, Glabe C. Monoclonal antibodies against Aβ42 fibrils distinguish multiple aggregation state polymorphisms in vitro and in Alzheimer disease brain. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:32131-32143. [PMID: 25281743 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.594846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloidogenic proteins generally form intermolecularly hydrogen-bonded β-sheet aggregates, including parallel, in-register β-sheets (recognized by antiserum OC) or antiparallel β-sheets, β-solenoids, β-barrels, and β-cylindrins (recognized by antiserum A11). Although these groups share many common properties, some amyloid sequences have been reported to form polymorphic structural variants or strains. We investigated the humoral immune response to Aβ42 fibrils and produced 23 OC-type monoclonal antibodies recognizing distinct epitopes differentially associated with polymorphic structural variants. These mOC antibodies define at least 18 different immunological profiles represented in aggregates of amyloid-β (Aβ). All of the antibodies strongly prefer amyloid aggregates over monomer, indicating that they recognize conformational epitopes. Most of the antibodies react with N-terminal linear segments of Aβ, although many recognize a discontinuous epitope consisting of an N-terminal domain and a central domain. Several of the antibodies that recognize linear Aβ segments also react with fibrils formed from unrelated amyloid sequences, indicating that reactivity with linear segments of Aβ does not mean the antibody is sequence-specific. The antibodies display strikingly different patterns of immunoreactivity in Alzheimer disease and transgenic mouse brain and identify spatially and temporally unique amyloid deposits. Our results indicate that the immune response to Aβ42 fibrils is diverse and reflects the structural polymorphisms in fibrillar amyloid structures. These polymorphisms may contribute to differences in toxicity and consequent effects on pathological processes. Thus, a single therapeutic monoclonal antibody may not be able to target all of the pathological aggregates necessary to make an impact on the overall disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asa Hatami
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-3900 and
| | - Ricardo Albay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-3900 and
| | - Sanaz Monjazeb
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-3900 and
| | - Saskia Milton
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-3900 and
| | - Charles Glabe
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-3900 and; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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19
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Deciphering the glycolipid code of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's amyloid proteins allowed the creation of a universal ganglioside-binding peptide. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104751. [PMID: 25140899 PMCID: PMC4139322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A broad range of microbial and amyloid proteins interact with cell surface glycolipids which behave as infectivity and/or toxicity cofactors in human pathologies. Here we have deciphered the biochemical code that determines the glycolipid-binding specificity of two major amyloid proteins, Alzheimer's β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) and Parkinson's disease associated protein α-synuclein. We showed that both proteins interact with selected glycolipids through a common loop-shaped motif exhibiting little sequence homology. This 12-residue domain corresponded to fragments 34-45 of α-synuclein and 5-16 of Aβ. By modulating the amino acid sequence of α-synuclein at only two positions in which we introduced a pair of histidine residues found in Aβ, we created a chimeric α-synuclein/Aβ peptide with extended ganglioside-binding properties. This chimeric peptide retained the property of α-synuclein to recognize GM3, and acquired the capacity to recognize GM1 (an Aβ-inherited characteristic). Free histidine (but not tryptophan or asparagine) and Zn2+ (but not Na+) prevented this interaction, confirming the key role of His-13 and His-14 in ganglioside binding. Molecular dynamics studies suggested that the chimeric peptide recognized cholesterol-constrained conformers of GM1, including typical chalice-shaped dimers, that are representative of the condensed cholesterol-ganglioside complexes found in lipid raft domains of the plasma membrane of neural cells. Correspondingly, the peptide had a particular affinity for raft-like membranes containing both GM1 and cholesterol. The chimeric peptide also interacted with several other gangliosides, including major brain gangliosides (GM4, GD1a, GD1b, and GT1b) but not with neutral glycolipids such as GlcCer, LacCer or asialo-GM1. It could inhibit the binding of Aβ1-42 onto neural SH-SY5Y cells and did not induce toxicity in these cells. In conclusion, deciphering the glycolipid code of amyloid proteins allowed us to create a universal ganglioside-binding peptide of only 12-residues with potential therapeutic applications in infectious and neurodegenerative diseases that involve cell surface gangliosides as receptors.
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Pensalfini A, Albay R, Rasool S, Wu JW, Hatami A, Arai H, Margol L, Milton S, Poon WW, Corrada MM, Kawas CH, Glabe CG. Intracellular amyloid and the neuronal origin of Alzheimer neuritic plaques. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 71:53-61. [PMID: 25092575 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 05/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic analysis of familial forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) causally links the proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and AD. However, the specific type of amyloid and mechanisms of amyloid pathogenesis remain unclear. We conducted a detailed analysis of intracellular amyloid with an aggregation specific conformation dependent monoclonal antibody, M78, raised against fibrillar Aß42. M78 immunoreactivity colocalizes with Aß and the carboxyl terminus of APP (APP-CTF) immunoreactivities in perinuclear compartments at intermediate times in 10month 3XTg-AD mice, indicating that this represents misfolded and aggregated protein rather than normally folded APP. At 12months, M78 immunoreactivity also accumulates in the nucleus. Neuritic plaques at 12months display the same spatial organization of centrally colocalized M78, diffuse chromatin and neuronal nuclear NeuN staining surrounded by peripheral M78 and APP-CTF immunoreactivity as observed in neurons, indicating that neuritic plaques arise from degenerating neurons with intracellular amyloid immunoreactivity. The same staining pattern was observed in neuritic plaques in human AD brains, showing elevated intracellular M78 immunoreactivity at intermediate stages of amyloid pathology (Braak A and B) compared to no amyloid pathology and late stage amyloid pathology (Braak 0 and C, respectively). These results indicate that intraneuronal protein aggregation and amyloid accumulation is an early event in AD and that neuritic plaques are initiated by the degeneration and death of neurons by a mechanism that may be related to the formation of extracellular traps by neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pensalfini
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| | - Ricardo Albay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Suhail Rasool
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jessica W Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Asa Hatami
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Hiromi Arai
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Lawrence Margol
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Saskia Milton
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Wayne W Poon
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Maria M Corrada
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Claudia H Kawas
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Charles G Glabe
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Biochemistry Department and Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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21
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Huang HJ, Lee CC, Chen CYC. In silico design of BACE1 inhibitor for Alzheimer's disease by traditional Chinese medicine. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:741703. [PMID: 24900984 PMCID: PMC4034430 DOI: 10.1155/2014/741703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is an important target for causing Alzheimer's disease (AD), due to the brain deposition peptide amyloid beta (Aβ) require cleavages of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by BACE1 and γ-secretase, but treatments of AD still have side effect in recent therapy. This study utilizes the world largest traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) database and database screening to provide potential BACE1 inhibited compound. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was carried out to observe the dynamics structure after ligand binding. We found that Triptofordin B1 has less toxicity than pyrimidine analogue, which has more potent binding affinity with BACE1. For trajectory analysis, all conformations are tending to be stable during 5000 ps simulation time. In dynamic protein validation, the residues of binding region are still stable after MD simulation. For snapshot comparison, we found that Triptofordin B1 could reduce the binding cavity; the results reveal that Triptofordin B1 could bind to BACE1 and better than control, which could be used as potential lead drug to design novel BACE1 inhibitor for AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Jin Huang
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chun Lee
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Calvin Yu-Chian Chen
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
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22
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Guerrero-Muñoz MJ, Castillo-Carranza DL, Kayed R. Therapeutic approaches against common structural features of toxic oligomers shared by multiple amyloidogenic proteins. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 88:468-78. [PMID: 24406245 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Impaired proteostasis is one of the main features of all amyloid diseases, which are associated with the formation of insoluble aggregates from amyloidogenic proteins. The aggregation process can be caused by overproduction or poor clearance of these proteins. However, numerous reports suggest that amyloid oligomers are the most toxic species, rather than insoluble fibrillar material, in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Prion diseases, among others. Although the exact protein that aggregates varies between amyloid disorders, they all share common structural features that can be used as therapeutic targets. In this review, we focus on therapeutic approaches against shared features of toxic oligomeric structures and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos J Guerrero-Muñoz
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Diana L Castillo-Carranza
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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23
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Castillo-Carranza DL, Guerrero-Muñoz MJ, Kayed R. Immunotherapy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: amyloid-β or tau, which is the right target? Immunotargets Ther 2013; 3:19-28. [PMID: 27471697 PMCID: PMC4918231 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s40131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques composed mainly of amyloid-β (Aβ) protein. Overproduction or slow clearance of Aβ initiates a cascade of pathologic events that may lead to formation of neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal cell death, and dementia. Although immunotherapy in animal models has been demonstrated to be successful at removing plaques or prefibrillar forms of Aβ, clinical trials have yielded disappointing results. The lack of substantial cognitive improvement obtained by targeting Aβ raises the question of whether or not this is the correct target. Another important pathologic process in the AD brain is tau aggregation, which seems to become independent once initiated. Recent studies targeting tau in AD mouse models have displayed evidence of cognitive improvement, providing a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of AD. In this review, we describe new advances in immunotherapy targeting Aβ peptide and tau protein, as well as future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana L Castillo-Carranza
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Marcos J Guerrero-Muñoz
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Goñi F, Herline K, Peyser D, Wong K, Ji Y, Sun Y, Mehta P, Wisniewski T. Immunomodulation targeting of both Aβ and tau pathological conformers ameliorates Alzheimer's disease pathology in TgSwDI and 3xTg mouse models. J Neuroinflammation 2013; 10:150. [PMID: 24330773 PMCID: PMC3878790 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-10-150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and many other neurodegenerative diseases is the conformational change of a normal self-protein into toxic oligomeric species and amyloid deposits. None of these disorders have an effective therapy, but immunization approaches hold great promise. We have previously shown that active immunization with a novel peptide when polymerized into a stable oligomeric conformation, pBri, induced a humoral immune response to toxic Aβ species in an AD model, APP/PS1 transgenic (Tg) mice, reducing plaque deposits. pBri is a glutaraldehyde polymerized form of the carboxyl fragment of an amyloidogenic protein, which is deposited in the brains of patients with a rare autosomal dominant disease due to a missense mutation in a stop codon, resulting in the translation of an intronic sequence, with no known sequence homology to any mammalian protein. Methods In the current study we tested whether pBri-peptide-based immunomodulation is effective at reducing both vascular amyloid deposits and tau-related pathology using TgSwDI mice with extensive congophilic angiopathy and 3xTg mice with tau pathology. Results Our results indicate that this immunomodulation approach, which produces a humoral response to proteins in a pathological conformation, is effective at reducing both Aβ and tau-related pathologies. Conclusions This immunomodulatory approach has the advantage of using a non-self-immunogen that is less likely to be associated with autoimmune toxicity. Furthermore we found that it is able to target all the cardinal features of AD concurrently.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Thomas Wisniewski
- Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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Ghavami S, Shojaei S, Yeganeh B, Ande SR, Jangamreddy JR, Mehrpour M, Christoffersson J, Chaabane W, Moghadam AR, Kashani HH, Hashemi M, Owji AA, Łos MJ. Autophagy and apoptosis dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders. Prog Neurobiol 2013; 112:24-49. [PMID: 24211851 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 714] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2012] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy and apoptosis are basic physiologic processes contributing to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Autophagy encompasses pathways that target long-lived cytosolic proteins and damaged organelles. It involves a sequential set of events including double membrane formation, elongation, vesicle maturation and finally delivery of the targeted materials to the lysosome. Apoptotic cell death is best described through its morphology. It is characterized by cell rounding, membrane blebbing, cytoskeletal collapse, cytoplasmic condensation, and fragmentation, nuclear pyknosis, chromatin condensation/fragmentation, and formation of membrane-enveloped apoptotic bodies, that are rapidly phagocytosed by macrophages or neighboring cells. Neurodegenerative disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent, especially in the Western societies, with larger percentage of members living to an older age. They have to be seen not only as a health problem, but since they are care-intensive, they also carry a significant economic burden. Deregulation of autophagy plays a pivotal role in the etiology and/or progress of many of these diseases. Herein, we briefly review the latest findings that indicate the involvement of autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases. We provide a brief introduction to autophagy and apoptosis pathways focusing on the role of mitochondria and lysosomes. We then briefly highlight pathophysiology of common neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's diseases, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Then, we describe functions of autophagy and apoptosis in brain homeostasis, especially in the context of the aforementioned disorders. Finally, we discuss different ways that autophagy and apoptosis modulation may be employed for therapeutic intervention during the maintenance of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; St. Boniface Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Shahla Shojaei
- Department of Biochemistry, Recombinant Protein Laboratory, Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Behzad Yeganeh
- Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Department of Physiology and Experimental Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Sudharsana R Ande
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jaganmohan R Jangamreddy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Integrative Regenerative Medicine Center (IGEN), Division of Cell Biology, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Maryam Mehrpour
- INSERM U845, Research Center "Growth & Signaling" Paris Descartes University Medical School, France
| | - Jonas Christoffersson
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Integrative Regenerative Medicine Center (IGEN), Division of Cell Biology, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Wiem Chaabane
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Integrative Regenerative Medicine Center (IGEN), Division of Cell Biology, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Tunis University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Hessam H Kashani
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Mohammad Hashemi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Ali A Owji
- Department of Biochemistry, Recombinant Protein Laboratory, Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Marek J Łos
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Integrative Regenerative Medicine Center (IGEN), Division of Cell Biology, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden.
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Grossi C, Rigacci S, Ambrosini S, Ed Dami T, Luccarini I, Traini C, Failli P, Berti A, Casamenti F, Stefani M. The polyphenol oleuropein aglycone protects TgCRND8 mice against Aß plaque pathology. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71702. [PMID: 23951225 PMCID: PMC3738517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The claimed beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet include prevention of several age-related dysfunctions including neurodegenerative diseases and Alzheimer-like pathology. These effects have been related to the protection against cognitive decline associated with aging and disease by a number of polyphenols found in red wine and extra virgin olive oil. The double transgenic TgCRND8 mice (overexpressing the Swedish and Indiana mutations in the human amyloid precursor protein), aged 1.5 and 4, and age-matched wild type control mice were used to examine in vivo the effects of 8 weeks dietary supplementation of oleuropein aglycone (50 mg/kg of diet), the main polyphenol found in extra virgin olive oil. We report here that dietary supplementation of oleuropein aglycone strongly improves the cognitive performance of young/middle-aged TgCRND8 mice, a model of amyloid-ß deposition, respect to age-matched littermates with un-supplemented diet. Immunofluorescence analysis of cerebral tissue in oleuropein aglycone-fed transgenic mice showed remarkably reduced ß-amyloid levels and plaque deposits, which appeared less compact and “fluffy”; moreover, microglia migration to the plaques for phagocytosis and a remarkable reduction of the astrocyte reaction were evident. Finally, oleuropein aglycone-fed mice brain displayed an astonishingly intense autophagic reaction, as shown by the increase of autophagic markers expression and of lysosomal activity. Data obtained with cultured cells confirmed the latter evidence, suggesting mTOR regulation by oleuropein aglycone. Our results support, and provide mechanistic insights into, the beneficial effects against Alzheimer-associated neurodegeneration of a polyphenol enriched in the extra virgin olive oil, a major component of the Mediterranean diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Grossi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefania Rigacci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Ambrosini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Teresa Ed Dami
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Luccarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Traini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Failli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Berti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Research Centre on the Molecular Basis of Neurodegeneration, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fiorella Casamenti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Research Centre on the Molecular Basis of Neurodegeneration, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Massimo Stefani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Research Centre on the Molecular Basis of Neurodegeneration, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Götz J, Lim YA, Eckert A. Lessons from two prevalent amyloidoses-what amylin and Aβ have in common. Front Aging Neurosci 2013; 5:38. [PMID: 23964237 PMCID: PMC3737661 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2013.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The amyloidogenic peptide Aβ plays a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) forming insoluble aggregates in the brain. The peptide shares its amyloidogenic properties with amylin that forms aggregates in the pancreas of patients with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). While epidemiological studies establish a link between these two diseases, it is becoming increasingly clear that they also share biochemical features suggesting common pathogenic mechanisms. We discuss commonalities as to how Aβ and amylin deregulate the cellular proteome, how they impair mitochondrial functions, to which receptors they bind, aspects of their clearance and how therapeutic strategies exploit the commonalities between Aβ and amylin. We conclude that research into these two molecules is mutually beneficial for the treatment of AD and T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Götz
- Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland Brisbane, QLD, Australia ; Sydney Medical School, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, Australia
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Rasool S, Martinez-Coria H, Wu JW, LaFerla F, Glabe CG. Systemic vaccination with anti-oligomeric monoclonal antibodies improves cognitive function by reducing Aβ deposition and tau pathology in 3xTg-AD mice. J Neurochem 2013; 126:473-82. [PMID: 23672786 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating disorder that is clinically characterized by a comprehensive cognitive decline. Accumulation of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AD. In AD, the conversion of Aβ from a physiological soluble monomeric form into insoluble fibrillar conformation is an important event. The most toxic form of Aβ is oligomers, which is the intermediate step during the conversion of monomeric form to fibrillar form. There are at least two types of oligomers: oligomers that are immunologically related to fibrils and those that are not. In transgenic AD animal models, both active and passive anti-Aβ immunotherapies improve cognitive function and clear the parenchymal accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain. In this report we studied effect of immunotherapy of two sequence-independent non-fibrillar oligomer specific monoclonal antibodies on the cognitive function, amyloid load and tau pathology in 3xTg-AD mice. Anti-oligomeric monoclonal antibodies significantly reduce the amyloid load and improve the cognition. The clearance of amyloid load was significantly correlated with reduced tau hyperphosphorylation and improvement in cognition. These results demonstrate that systemic immunotherapy using oligomer-specific monoclonal antibodies effectively attenuates behavioral and pathological impairments in 3xTg-AD mice. These findings demonstrate the potential of using oligomer specific monoclonal antibodies as a therapeutic approach to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Rasool
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, USA.
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29
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Rasool S, Martinez-Coria H, Milton S, Glabe CG. Nonhuman amyloid oligomer epitope reduces Alzheimer's-like neuropathology in 3xTg-AD transgenic mice. Mol Neurobiol 2013; 48:931-40. [PMID: 23771815 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8478-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) is an important pathological event in Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is now well known that vaccination against fibrillar Aβ prevents amyloid accumulation and preserves cognitive function in transgenic mouse models. To study the effect of vaccination against generic oligomer epitopes, Aβ oligomers, islet amyloid polypeptide oligomers, random peptide oligomer (3A), and Aβ fibrils were used to vaccinate 3xTg-AD, which develop a progressive accumulation of plaques and cognitive impairment. Subcutaneous administration of these antigens markedly reduced total plaque load (Aβ burden) and improved cognitive function in the 3xTg-AD mouse brains as compared to controls. We demonstrated that vaccination with this nonhuman amyloid oligomer generated high titers of specifically antibodies recognizing Aβ oligomers, which in turn inhibited accumulation of Aβ pathology in mice. In addition to amyloid plaques, another hallmark of AD is tau pathology. It was found that there was a significant decline in the level of hyper-phosphorylated tau following vaccination. We have previously shown that immunization with 3A peptide improves cognitive function and clears amyloid plaques in Tg2576 mice, which provides a novel strategy of AD therapy. Here, we have shown that vaccination with 3A peptide in 3xTg-AD mice not only clears amyloid plaques but also extensively clears abnormal tau in brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Rasool
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA,
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30
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Cai Z, Yan LJ. Rapamycin, Autophagy, and Alzheimer's Disease. JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2013; 1:84-90. [PMID: 23826514 PMCID: PMC3697866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive impairment and multiple pathological lesions. At the molecular level, AD is characterized by overt amyloid β (Aβ) production and tau hyper-phosphorylation. Hence, pharmacological agents that can attenuate Aβ accumulation and tau hyper-phosphorylation have potential promise for treatment of AD. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), is believed to be one of such pharmacological agents. It is neuroprotective in neurodegenerative diseases and its primary action is thought to be via enhancement of autophagy, a biological process that not only facilitates the clearance of mutant proteins but also significantly reduces the build-up of toxic protein aggregates such as Aβ. Since rapamycin enhancement of autophagy has been associated with abrogation of AD pathological processes such as clearance of Aβ and neurofibrillary tangles (NTFs) as well as reduction of tau hyper-phosphorylation and improvement of cognition, rapamycin is emerging as a potential therapeutic compound for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyou Cai
- Department of Neurology, Lu'an People's Hospital, the Lu'an Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an, Anhui Province, China, 237005
| | - Liang-Jun Yan
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Institute for Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
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